accustomed
uh-KUHS-tuhmd
Accustomed (adj) means used to something through experience or habit. Example: “She quickly became accustomed to the noise of the city.”
adj
1
Used to something through experience or habit.
"She quickly became accustomed to the noise of the city."
"He wasn't accustomed to speaking in front of large crowds."
"After years abroad, they grew accustomed to eating dinner much later than before."
How to use accustomed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFamiliar with something because you've experienced it often.
Common pairings
accustomed to
grow accustomed to
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more accustomed
- Superlative
- most accustomed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She quickly became _____ to the noise of the city.
Etymology
Accustomed is formed from accustom and -ed.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for accustomed
See all rhymes for accustomed →Frequently asked questions
What does “accustomed” mean?
The word “accustomed” means used to something through experience or habit. In plain terms, familiar with something because you've experienced it often.
How do you pronounce “accustomed”?
“Accustomed” is pronounced uh-KUHS-tuhmd (/əˈkʌs.təmd/ in IPA).
How do you use “accustomed” in a sentence?
Here is “accustomed” used in a sentence: “She quickly became accustomed to the noise of the city.”
What part of speech is “accustomed”?
“Accustomed” is an adjective.
Is “accustomed” a common word?
“Accustomed” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between accustomed to and used to?
Accustomed to and used to both describe being familiar with something through habit or repeated experience, and they are largely interchangeable. Accustomed to is generally more formal and appears more often in written or careful speech, while used to is the everyday spoken choice.
Can accustomed be used directly before a noun?
Yes, accustomed can be placed directly before a noun, as in "her accustomed seat," where it means usual or habitual. This is in addition to its more common use after "to," as in "accustomed to the noise."
Is accustomed a formal word?
Accustomed is somewhat more formal than everyday alternatives like used to, and it appears frequently in written English, including literature and formal speech. It is still widely understood and used in spoken English as well.
